ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Science & Technology
Indigenously designed & manufactured high purity oxygen concentrator being supplied to Indian hospitals
An indigenously designed oxygen concentrator, which ensures high-purity oxygen supply, is now out in the market. An Indian startup has designed developed this affordable portable oxygen concentrator and is now manufacturing it for supply to various hospitals in the country.
Oxygen saturation levels of patients have been a major challenge in the treatment of COVID 19, especially in the second wave. Indian medical devices manufacturers and indigenous automation companies took this challenge up and came up with innovative designs of ventilators, portable respiratory aids, and related devices.
Mohali-based Walnut Medical has developed a 5L and 10L portable medical grade oxygen concentrators based on Pressure swing adsorption  technology in India with an oxygen purity of above 96% at a pressure of 55-75 kpa. Pressure swing adsorption technology separates single gases from a gas mixture. PSA is a non-cryogenic air separation  process that is commonly used in commercial practice. These two parameters are most critical for patients suffering from COVID or other respiratory problems.
The company was supported by CAWACH 2020 grant of the National Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board  under the Department of Science and Technology , and they developed the world-class Oxygen Concentrator within a short time to reduce dependence on imports.
“There have been three important things DST focused on while planning and supporting the development of products and technologies for COVID-19 - defining the future needs with clarity, encouraging better than the world class quality through innovation, and speed. Thus, the development of Oxygen concentrators was already envisaged during the first wave, which became critical during the second wave and several more companies are now being shortlisted and supported under the CAWACH 2021,” said Prof Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary, DST.
Walnut Medical Oxygen Concentrator is tested for patient safety, electrical safety, electromagnetic compatibility , and as per International Safety Standards for Oxygen Concentrators.
The complete mould design, development of all electronics, moulding, control system, sieve tower, and all related parts and accessories has been done in India. It is currently being supplied to various government, defense, military hospitals in India and is also making them available for the general public through its distribution network across India.
DST’s support helped them push their endeavor forward with 5Ltr and 10Ltr models and invest in quality moulds to compete against products from Japan, USA, and China. IIT Delhi incubation team worked with them to help the technology see the light of the day.
Walnut Medical team with the portable oxygen concentrators
Walnut Medical Oxygen Concentrator
For more details, Siddharth Dhawan Co-Founder, Walnut Medical, can be contacted at .
Ministry of Tourism
Ministry of Tourism to organize the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav & Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat Food Festival in New Delhi
Food Festival to be organised from 18th – 20th August 2023
Ministry of Tourism in association with the different State Governments / UTs is organizing the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav & Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat Food Festival in the capital from 18th – 20th August 2023.
The aim of the festival is to celebrate the rich culinary diversity of India. The event will showcase state-specific cuisines and promote awareness of the unique offerings within each region, while fostering a sense of togetherness.
The Food Festival is being held from tomorrow with the enthusiastic participation of 23 States and UTs The festival will be organised in State Sadans/Bhawans of the participating States in New Delhi.
Some of the participating States and UTs include Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar , Uttarakhand, Odisha , Gujarat, Assam, Mizoram, Jammu and Kashmir, West Bengal, Punjab , Arunachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Goa, Punjab, Meghalaya, Karnataka, Chattisgarh, Nagaland etc. A few of the States are also organizing a handicraft exhibition in tandem with the Food Festival in the premises of the respective State Bhawan.
The event also promotes the concept of Dekho Apna Desh, which has been one of the successful programs of the Ministry for encouraging the citizens of the country to explore hidden treasures of their own country. This initiative aligns with the larger goal of promoting domestic tourism and fostering a sense of pride in one's heritage.
The Food Festival is not only a celebration of India's rich culture and heritage but also to celebrate Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav and to promote the spirit of Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat. The collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Tourism, State Governments, and various stakeholders will ensure the success of this enriching experience.
Ministry of Power
PGCIL wins Global Gold Award for CSR work
Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd., a Maharatna CPSU of Ministry of Power, Government of India has been conferred Global Gold Award by The Green Organization. The recognition was given at the Green World Awards 2023 function held at Miami in the USA yesterday. Dr. V. K. Singh, Director , POWERGRID received the award on behalf of the organization.
The award is a recognition of POWERGRID’s CSR work for improving Agriculture Productivity and Rural Livelihood through watershed management, community participation and better crop management practices in 10 villages of Jaipatna Block of Kalahandi District in Odisha.
This is a 60-month farmer centric project started in late October 2019 with a withdrawal plan to ensure its sustainability. POWERGRID emphasizes been involved in a number of CSR programs for community and environment.
With a well-defined and customized Exit Policy for its CSR projects, POWERGRID gives importance to Community Participation by way of effective Collaboration, Capacity Building and Sustainability aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Ministry of Communications
Cabinet approves Auction of spectrum
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, has approved a proposal of the Department of Telecommunications to conduct spectrum auction through which spectrum will be assigned to the successful bidders for providing commercial mobile services.
The auction will be for spectrum in 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz and 2500 MHz frequency bands. Spectrum will be offered for assignment for validity period of 20 years. A total of 2251.25 MHz is being offered with total valuation of Rs. 3,92,332.70 crore .
By winning right to use spectrum through the auction, incumbent telecom service providers will be able to augment their network capacity whereas new players will be able to start their services.
In the auction, bidders will have to comply with parameters/conditions e.g. block size in which bidders will be able to submit their bids, spectrum cap i.e. the maximum amount of spectrum that can be held by each bidder after the completion of the auction, roll-out obligations, payment terms etc.
Successful bidders may pay entire bid amount in one go  or may exercise an option to pay a certain amount  upfront and remaining amount in a maximum up to 16 equated annual instalments, after a moratorium of two years.
In addition to the bid amount, successful bidders will also have to pay 3% of the Adjusted Gross Revenue  excluding wireline services as spectrum usage charges for the spectrum won through this auction.
Spectrum auction is a transparent process of spectrum assignment to successful bidders. Sufficient spectrum availability increases the quality of telecom services for the consumers.
It is relevant that the Telecom Sector today is a key infrastructure provider with strong linkages with economic growth, direct and indirect employment generation and expansion of Digital India. Hence the above decision of the Cabinet is expected to have a salutary impact on all the aspects.
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Governor of Uttar Pradesh Mrs. Anandiben Patel today laid the foundation stone of the construction of court-cum-office building of the Lucknow Bench of Central Administrative Tribunal in Lucknow
Governor of Uttar Pradesh Mrs. Anandiben Patel today laid the foundation stone of the construction of court-cum-office building of the Lucknow Bench of Central Administrative Tribunal in Lucknow.
Shri Brajesh Pathak, Deputy Chief Minister of UP, Mrs. Manjula Das, Chairman, CAT, Justice Dinesh Gupta, Ex. Acting Chairman, CAT and Mr. Devendra Chaudhry Member /Head of Department , CAT Lucknow Bench were present on the occasion. The function was graced by the Senior Officers of the Government of India as well as the Government of Uttar Pradesh, legal luminaries and various dignitaries.
Mr. Devendra Chaudhry Member /HoD, CAT Lucknow Bench in his welcome address has welcomed all the dignitaries chaired on the Dias and also highlighted the functioning of the CAT.
Mrs. Anandiben Patel in her keynote address highlighted the use of technology in the judicial arena which makes the process easier for all stakeholders thereby facilitating the speedy disposal. She stressed that the genesis of the cases filed in the Tribunal be looked upon and efforts be made to sort out the grievances of the employees at the department level instead of sorting the dispute at the Tribunal level.
Shri Brajesh Pathak in his address has said that construction of new building of CAT will make the administration of justice smooth for all stakeholders. The proximity of the High Court with the new building will be of great help to the lawyers.
Mrs. Manjula Das, Chairman, CAT in her address gave the background of CAT in general and CAT, Lucknow Bench in particular. The impetus on infrastructural development given under the leadership and support of Prime Minister and Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension was acted upon by Mrs. Manjula Das with alacrity after assuming charge on 01.08.2021. After the inauguration of CAT, Srinagar Bench on 23.11.2021, the construction activity of CAT, Guwahati Bench as well as CAT, Lucknow Bench could be initiated almost simultaneously only because of the accelerated budgetary support of the Central Government.
The Chief Engineer, CPWD has also narrated the Building Plan, and told that the proposed building is a four storied building. He further assured that the construction of the building would be completed by March 2023.
At the end, Shri Praveen Kumar, Advocate gave vote of thanks to all the dignitaries present and highlighted the cooperation extended by other members of the Bar Association.
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Ministry of Education
Union HRD Minister Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal visits IIT Guwahati Campus
Shri Pokhriyal congratulates IIT Guwahati for securing 491 overall rank and 79th rank in the category of youngest institutions in the QS World Rankings.
Union Human Resource Development Minister Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal visited Indian Institute of Technology , Guwahati on 6thJuly, 2019. He congratulated IIT Guwahati for securing 491 overall rank and 79th rank in the category of youngest institutions in the QS World Rankings. The Minister met all the officials of IIT Guwahatiand planted a sapling at the Campus.
The Minister hoped that IIT Guwahati will further improve its rank in the coming years. He assured that the Ministry of HRD will extend maximum support to establish the infrastructure and provide other resources to the institution. He said that IIT Guwahati has the responsibility of developing all North Eastern States, which is a priority of the Government.
The Minister informed that the Senior officials of HRD Ministry, Directors and Vice-Chancellors of Centrally Funded institutions have met with the representatives of QS Rankings and suggested that they should consider the parameters of the QS rankings based on Indian Context. He said that QS rankings is based on parameters which, sometimes are not applicable in India.
Shri Pokhriyal said that IIT Guwahati has been ableto build up world class infrastructure for carrying out advanced research and has been equipped with state-of-the-art scientific and engineering instruments.He hoped that the institution will reach its zenith and will become world leader in the field of education in the coming years.
Prime Minister's Office
PM to perform Bhoomi Poojan of Ahmedabad Metro Rail Project Phase-II and Surat Metro Rail Project on 18th January
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will perform Bhoomi Poojan of Ahmedabad Metro Rail Project Phase-II and Surat Metro Rail Project on 18th January at 10:30 AM via video conferencing. Gujarat Governor, Union Home Minister, Gujarat Chief Minister and Union Housing & Urban Affairs Minister will be present on the occasion. The Metro Projects will provide an environment friendly ‘Mass Rapid Transit System’ to these cities.
About Ahmedabad Metro Rail Project Phase-II
Ahmedabad Metro Rail Project Phase-II is 28.25 Kms long with two corridors. Corridor-1 is 22.8 Kms long and is from Motera Stadium to Mahatma Mandir. Corridor-2 is 5.4 Kms long and is from GNLU to GIFT City. The total completion cost of Phase-II project is Rs 5,384 crores.
About Surat Metro Rail Project
Surat Metro Rail Project is 40.35 kms long and comprises two corridors. Corridor-1 is 21.61 kms long and is from Sarthana to Dream City. Corridor-2 is 18.74 kms long and is from Bhesan to Saroli. The total completion cost of the project Rs 12,020 crores.
Ministry of Defence
CAS VISIT TO CHANDIGARH
Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria PVSM AVSM VM ADC, Chief of the Air Staff visited Air Force Chandigarh on 06 Sep 21. His visit coincided with the 60th anniversary of Air Force Station Chandigarh. On his arrival, he was received by Air CmdeTejbir Singh AVSM VM, AOC, Air Force Station Chandigarh.
CAS reviewed the ongoing capability enhancement and infrastructure upgradation initiatives in the Station. He appreciated the role played by personnel of the Station in accomplishing the heavy lift and air maintenance tasks in general and undertaking rapid air mobilisation during the Eastern Ladakh contingency.
The CAS also visited Kendriya Vidyalaya , Sector 47, Chandigarh as a mark of gratitude for his alma-mater and teachers to commemorate Teacher’s Day. He acknowledged the pivotal role that his teachers had played during those formative years and conveyed his best wishes to the school and Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan. Earlier in the day, he addressed principals of 130 Air Force Schools across the country through a virtual mode.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID-19 UPDATE
83.39 Cr. vaccine doses have been administered so far under Nationwide Vaccination Drive
Active cases account for less than 1% of total cases, currently at 0.90%; lowest since March 2020
India's Active caseload stands at 3,01,640; lowest in 187 days
31,923 new cases in the last 24 hours
Recovery Rate currently at 97.77%; Highest since March 2020
31,990 recoveries in the last 24 hours increases Total Recoveries to 3,28,15,731
Weekly Positivity Rate  less than 3% for last 90 days
Daily positivity rate  less than 3% for last 24 days
55.83 cr Total Tests conducted so far
Ministry of Power
NTPC marks its first Overseas Capacity Addition; With Bangladesh’s Power Plant, Group’s Installed Capacity goes up to 72304 MW
NTPC has marked its first overseas capacity addition, beginning with Bangladesh. The Group recently added Unit-1, a 660 MW capacity, of the 1320 MW  Maitree Super Thermal Power Plant  located in Rampal, Mongla, Bagerhat, Bangladesh. The new addition takes the Installed Capacity of NTPC to 72304 MW.
This demonstrates company's global reach and commitment to providing reliable and sustainable power. The project was executed in collaboration with the Bangladesh-India Friendship Power Company Pvt Ltd. , a foreign joint venture company of NTPC Ltd.
After obtaining the required norms and approvals, Unit 1 of MSTPP has been included included in the installed and commercial capacity of NTPC Group.
The successful completion of the project underscores NTPC's commitment to innovation and excellence in every project it undertakes.
Ministry of Defence
Achievement: Air Force Sportsmen Sergeant Shahzar Rizvi & Sergeant Deepak Kumar
Sergeant Shahzar Rizvi has won a gold medal in 10 mtrs Pistol for India at recently conducted Commonwealth Shooting Championship held at Gold Coast, Australia. Sergeant Deepak Kumar won Bronze medal in 10 mtrs Air Rifle at the same event. Both are outstanding Sportsman in shooting and they have performed consistently well in their career as well. Sergeant Rizvi had also won Gold and Silver medal in 2014 & 2015 in the Senior National Shooting Championship respectively.
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
Union Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Minister to visit Israel from May 8-11, 2022
Agriculture Minister will have a roundtable discussion with Israeli Agritech Startup companies
A delegation under the leadership of Union Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India Shri Narendra Singh Tomar is going to visit Israel from May 8-11, 2022 on the invitation from Mr. Oded Forer, Minister of Agriculture of Israel for bilateral meetings to discuss various issues related to agriculture between two countries.
On 9th May, 2022, the delegation is proposed to visit facilities of Green 2000 - Agricultural Equipment and Know How Ltd. and NETAFIM Ltd. which are engaged in planning, set-up, consultation and on-going management of various projects in different spheres of agriculture and Micro & smart Irrigation Systems  usage to paddy cultivation, sugarcane and cotton respectively. The Agriculture Minister will have a roundtable discussion with Israeli Agritech Startup companies at Israel Export & International Cooperation Institute, Tel-Aviv in the afternoon.
On the second day, the delegation is proposed to visit Agricultural Research Organisation  – Volcani Institute under the Israeli Ministry of Agriculture and Rural development which have special expertise in agriculture under arid conditions, on marginal soils, irrigation through effluent and saline water and minimization of produce losses by using latest pest control and post-harvest storage methods. The Minister will also be meeting Volcani’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Program participants from India.
Agriculture Minister will be presented drone agriculture technology solutions with the combination of advanced mapping and photography at Ganei Khna’an near Kibbutz Naan. The Minister will also visit a Farm owned by an Indian origin farmer growing Indian vegetables in Negec desert area.
On the concluding day, the Minister will have a one-to-one interaction with the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development of Israel, Mr. Oded Forer in his Office. Finally, the delegation is proposed to visit the MASHAV’s International Agricultural Training Centre, Shefayim which has been operating since 1963 and specializes in capacity building, transfer of knowledge and professional support in the fields of agriculture, water management, environment and rural development.
Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
Pharmaceutical Technology Upgradation Assistance Scheme for MSMEs
MSMEs have availed the benefit under erstwhile PTUAS scheme. However, the PTUAS has been incorporated as a sub-scheme under the Scheme - Strengthening of Pharmaceutical Industry , which was launched in July 2022.
The Strengthening of Pharmaceutical Industry , with the financial outlay of Rs. 500 crores and with a tenure from FY 2021-2022 to FY 2025-26, has following three components, to provide infrastructure support for pharma MSMEs in clusters and to address the issues of technology upgradation of individual pharma MSMEs :-
- Assistance to Pharmaceutical Industry for Common Facilities 
- Pharmaceutical Technology Upgradation Assistance Scheme (PTUAS
- Pharmaceutical & Medical Devices Promotion and Development Scheme 
The sub-scheme PTUAS is aimed to facilitate Micro, Small and Medium Pharma Enterprises  of proven track record to meet national and international regulatory standards , interest subvention or capital subsidy on their capital loans will be provided, which will further facilitate the growth in volumes as well as in quality and it is ensivaged to support about 400 Pharma MSME units under this sub-scheme during the scheme tenure.
PTUAS is a credit linked scheme and under this, applications are invited from eligible Pharma MSME units since 01.08.2022. For registration of application, online portal has been developed by SIDBI, the Project Management Consultant  of the scheme and details are available at https://spi.udyamimitra.in. About 60 applications have been registered till date.
Further, one national and 10 State level outreach events were conducted, involving the State Governments and Pharma Industry Associations for maximum outreach and awareness for larger participation by Pharma MSME industries to avail the scheme benefits.
This information was given by Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers, Shri Bhagwanth Khuba in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
President's Secretariat
President of India’s message on the eve of World Tuberculosis Day
The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, in her message on the eve of World Tuberculosis Day, which is observed every year on March 24, has said:-
“On the occasion of World Tuberculosis Day, I commend the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and Stop TB Partnership for organizing the 'One World TB Summit' on 24th March, 2023.
TB Day serves as an opportunity to raise public awareness about the adverse health, social and economic consequences of TB, and to accelerate efforts to put an end to the global TB epidemic. TB affects millions all over the world. Our country’s collective endeavour to combat TB is amply reflected in our national campaign by organising equitable, affordable and accessible health care systems that will benefit all sections of the society.
I urge all stakeholders to come together to achieve a TB free India. Let us re-dedicate ourselves towards achieving this goal”.
Please click here to see the President’s message –